Uranus

Orbital eccentricityCompared to other planets in our solar system, the orbit of Uranus has an average degree of eccentricity. However, because that factor is multiplied by Uranus’ tremendous distance from the Sun, the result is that the difference between Uranus’ perihelion and its aphelion is greater than any other planet in our Solar System. At the scale of this diagram, Uranus is almost 100 feet closer to the Sun when at perihelion, and its aphelion is a corresponding distance farther out. Light from the Sun takes between 2 hours, 32 minutes and 2 hours, 47 minutes to reach Uranus.

More interesting facts

Uranus is only about two-thirds of the distance from the Sun to Neptune.

Uranus’ axis of rotation is tilted so far that the planet orbits the Sun in a sideways orientation.

At times during its 84-year orbit, Uranus’ poles alternately point almost directly towards the Sun, or directly away. This has a significant effect on the planet’s weather patterns.

Despite being much closer to the Sun than Neptune, the atmosphere of Uranus is the coldest of all planets in our solar system.